🍞 Pizza Dough Recipe – Homemade Crust for the Perfect Pizza
This pizza dough recipe creates a soft, chewy interior with a lightly crisp crust. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for making restaurant-style pizza right at home. Use it for thin crust, hand-tossed, or even deep-dish pizza!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough hook (optional: stand mixer)
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Rolling pin or your hands
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour for chewier texture
- 1 cup warm water about 110°F / 43°C
- 2¼ teaspoons 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1 – Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2 – Mix and Knead the Dough
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or mix in a stand mixer for 6–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3 – First Rise
- Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside.
- Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4 – Shape and Use
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal portions.
- Roll out or hand-stretch each piece into a 10–12 inch circle.
- Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Notes
Fridge: Store dough (after rising) in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.